Should SEC boot Vanderbilt? Readers' responses might surprise you | Adams

Have you noticed which school has the worst football team in the SEC this season?

Of course, you haven't noticed. That's akin to asking: "Did you notice the sun came up today?" You take it for granted.

Vanderbilt has the worst team in the conference. Again.

So, I asked my readers if they thought the SEC should kick the Commodores out of the league.

Some of their answers surprised me.

Rachel writes: Every family has an uncle who drinks too much, an aunt who never stops talking, a moocher brother, a lazy sister — you get the drift.

Vandy’s the nerdy brainiac the family runs from. However, they need to be in the family so there’s a sure loser, except the last few years they haven’t been a sure win. Boost in SEC GPA curve is enough to keep them in.

My response: Thanks for reminding me how grateful I should be for never having a drunk uncle, a chatty aunt, a moocher brother or a lazy sister.

Duke writes: I think Vandy deserves a place in the SEC. Every conference has its doormat in football.

Vandy did well in basketball before and I'm sure they will eventually get back.

They obviously contribute in baseball. And when all else fails, there's always bowling.

My response: Vanderbilt’s success in bowling is one of the most underrated stories in all of sports.

Darryl writes: Some people think that only powerhouse programs should be in the SEC, but Vanderbilt beat UT multiple times under James Franklin, so the right coach can be moderately successful at Vanderbilt.

Vanderbilt has had successful teams in other sports, especially baseball, where they have won national championships. So, they do belong in the SEC!

I don’t like seeing Vanderbilt sports columns in the News Sentinel though, but readers don’t always get what they want!

My response: I believe all readers should get whatever they want. I will fight for readers’ rights to my last breath.

Marc writes: Vanderbilt is a great university, but they are not able to compete with the other schools in the SEC for sports. It must be a horrible feeling for those young men to go out on the field each Saturday knowing that they will get crushed.

So ... no, I think that Vandy does not belong in the SEC. Additionally, playing and smashing Vandy fails to give any fair accounting of what that victory means.

My response: The SEC pays them well to get crushed, though. Plus, the money they get from being in the SEC helps finance their bowling team.

Mary writes: I see no reason to remove Vanderbilt from the SEC. I am not their greatest fan but let’s keep them. At least, they are in Tennessee.

Take a look at how many schools have been added to the SEC, which I did not approve of — but the commissioner did not ask me.

And after my grandson, Parker Henry, graduated from TN, he received his masters from Vanderbilt.

My response: Other SEC schools owe Vanderbilt. Think how many of them have become bowl eligible because of victories over the Commodores.

Chris writes: Yes, Vandy belongs in the SEC. Football often struggles, but what league doesn’t have a team or two that doesn’t struggle on an annual basis?

They are the standard of the SEC in baseball and are often a tough out in basketball.

I know they do their scholarships different than other schools, and obviously it is not easy to get in Vandy, but just because their football often struggles doesn’t mean they should be booted out of the league.

My response: I admire Vanderbilt student-athletes, who must deal with a challenging academic workload and find time to compete in sports as well. I’m not sure everyone realizes how time-consuming bowling can be.

Slim writes: I’m more of a traditionalist and would vote to keep Vandy in the SEC. I think they are at somewhat of a disadvantage recruiting wise for football with their admission requirements but still usually have a competitive product in baseball and basketball.

They have had some strong players come through their programs: Jay Cutler, Casey Heyward, David Price, Walker Buehler, Mike Yastrzemski, Dansby Swanson, Will Perdue to name a few. Just never seem to be able to get enough of a supporting cast that they so desperately need.

My response: I would have been more impressed if you have named Vanderbilt’s greatest bowlers.

Rick writes: Unless Vanderbilt makes a total commitment to their football program and not lip service, they should be shown the door. This should be done with style and class by the SEC.

Vanderbilt should be in a league with the likes of Harvard and Yale. Their endowment is larger than Harvard’s, their facilities are terrible and recruiting is difficult at best.

I don’t think even a top ranked coach could get them more wins. Either the administration is all in or Vandy’s out football wise.

My response: Before you dispatch Vanderbilt to the Ivy League, better find out if bowling is available.

Britney writes: I'm a firm believer in Vandy needing to be in the SEC. Traditionally, they have not done well in football, but they bring a lot to the table in other sports.

In the very recent past, Vandy was considered one of the toughest basketball arenas in the county by fellow SEC coaches. Baseball, they have the finest program in the country. They belong in the SEC.

My response: Bowling also belongs in the SEC. Let’s start a movement.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Should SEC boot Vanderbilt? Readers' responses might surprise you